Japan Updates the Household Goods Quality Labeling Act

Japan's Household Goods Quality Labeling Act (Act No. 104 of 1962) is a law enacted in order to optimize the clarity of labeling and protect the interests of general consumers. The recent revision of the Enforcement Regulations of the Household Goods Quality Labeling Act, Cabinet Order and Notification for Textile Product Quality Labeling Regulations, Synthetic Resin Processed Product Quality Labeling Regulations and Miscellaneous Goods Quality Labeling Regulations are updated as below; the revision has become effective on April 1, 2017.

Official Gazette - Extra Edition No.67:

• Cabinet Office Ordinance No. 10 [1] – revises part of the enforcement regulations of the Household Goods Quality Labeling Law
• Consumer Agency Notification No. 4 [2] – amends all of the textile quality labeling regulations
• Consumer Agency Notification No. 5 [3] – revises all of the Synthetic Resin Processed Product Quality Labeling Regulations
• Consumer Agency Notification No. 7 [4] – revises all of the Miscellaneous Goods Quality Labeling Regulations

The highlights of the revision content related to textile products are:

• Washing care labeling for mufflers, scarves and shawls has become mandatory since April 1, 2017
• Fiber composition of interlining for trouser has become mandatory since April 1, 2017
• Washing care labeling and fiber composition for hat, cap, etc will be mandatory from April 1, 2018

There will be a one-year transition period for implementation. After the enforcement on April 1, 2017, items can be labeled either according to the requirements before or after the revision until April 1, 2018.

Under the Household Products Quality Labeling Act, most apparel and textile products are required to be labeled with its fiber composition as well as instructions for care. Along with the effectiveness of the new care labeling standard implementation, textile products must be labeled with care symbols according to JIS L0001-2014 [5] while fiber name & percentage are required according to the “Textile Goods Quality Labeling Regulation” [6]. All the labeling information must be permanently attached to the textile product, either printed directly on the product or on a sewn in label. The label must be visible, indelible and easily accessible to the consumer.

Reference:

1. Consumer Affairs Agency, Government of Japan – New Release [7]
2. Household goods quality indication method [8]
3. Enforcement ordinance [9]

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